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{{about|'''Incident of Saqifa'''|other article named '''Saqifa'''|Saqifa (disambiguation)}} | {{about|'''Incident of Saqifa'''|other article named '''Saqifa'''|Saqifa (disambiguation)}} | ||
{{Template:Early Islam}} | {{Template:Early Islam}} | ||
The '''Event of Saqīfa Banī Sāʿida''' (Arabic: {{ia|وَقعَة سَقیفَة بَني ساعِدَة}}) was the first political event that took place right after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]] in [[11]]/632. In this event, [[Abu Bakr b. Abi Quhafa]] was chosen as the first [[caliph]] and leader of the Muslim community. The event took place when [[Imam Ali (a)]] and other [[Companions]] were occupied with performing burial ceremonies for the [[Prophet (s)]]. It started when a group of the [[Helpers]] under the leadership of [[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]] gathered in a place called the [[Saqifa (portico) of Banu Saʿida|Saqifa (portico) of Banu Sa'ida]] to appoint a leader after the Prophet (s). | The '''Event of Saqīfa Banī Sāʿida''' (Arabic: {{ia|وَقعَة سَقیفَة بَني ساعِدَة}}) was the first political event that took place right after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]] in [[11]]/632. In this event, [[Abu Bakr b. Abi Quhafa]] was chosen as the first [[caliph]] and leader of the Muslim community. The event took place when [[Imam Ali (a)]] and other [[Companions]] were occupied with performing burial ceremonies for the [[Prophet (s)]]. It started when a group of the [[Helpers|Ansar]] under the leadership of [[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]] gathered in a place called the [[Saqifa (portico) of Banu Saʿida|Saqifa (portico) of Banu Sa'ida]] to appoint a leader after the Prophet (s). | ||
According to some historians, the | According to some historians, the Ansar gathered in the saqifa only to appoint a leader for [[Medina]], but when some of the [[Immigrants]] entered the sessions, the conversations were shifted to deciding who would succeed the Prophet (s) as the leader of all Muslims, and eventually Abu Bakr was chosen for the position. Apart from Abu Bakr, who was the representative of the Immigrants, [[Umar b. al-Khattab]] and [[Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah]], two other Immigrants, were also present in the event. | ||
The historians report that the election of Abu Bakr was not initially accepted by all. After the Insident of Saqifa, [[Imam Ali (a)]], [[Fatima (a)]], and others like [[Fadl b. al-'Abbas|Fadl]] and [['Abd Allah b. al-'Abbas|Abd Allah]], the sons of the Prophet's uncle [[Al-'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib|Abbas]], [[Salman al-Farsi]], [[Abu Dharr al-Ghifari]], [[Miqdad b. Amr]], and [[Zubayr b. Awamm]] were among those who objected to Abu Bakr's caliphate. The [[Shi'a]] maintain that the Event of the saqifa and its result were against the instructions of the Prophet (s) regarding the succession, according to which Imam Ali (a) was to succeed the Prophet (s). | The historians report that the election of Abu Bakr was not initially accepted by all. After the Insident of Saqifa, [[Imam Ali (a)]], [[Fatima (a)]], and others like [[Fadl b. al-'Abbas|Fadl]] and [['Abd Allah b. al-'Abbas|Abd Allah]], the sons of the Prophet's uncle [[Al-'Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib|Abbas]], [[Salman al-Farsi]], [[Abu Dharr al-Ghifari]], [[Miqdad b. Amr]], and [[Zubayr b. Awamm]] were among those who objected to Abu Bakr's caliphate. The [[Shi'a]] maintain that the Event of the saqifa and its result were against the instructions of the Prophet (s) regarding the succession, according to which Imam Ali (a) was to succeed the Prophet (s). | ||
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The main account of the event seems to have been narrated by [[Abd Allah b. Abbas]] on the authority of Umar b. al-Khattab. The account is reported by Ibn Hisham, al-Tabari, Abd al-Razzaq b. Hammam, al-Bukhari, and [[Ahmad b. Hanbal|Ibn Hanbal]] with different chains of transmitters.<ref>Wilferd Madelung, ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 47.</ref> All other accounts are based on this account, a summary of which is as follows. | The main account of the event seems to have been narrated by [[Abd Allah b. Abbas]] on the authority of Umar b. al-Khattab. The account is reported by Ibn Hisham, al-Tabari, Abd al-Razzaq b. Hammam, al-Bukhari, and [[Ahmad b. Hanbal|Ibn Hanbal]] with different chains of transmitters.<ref>Wilferd Madelung, ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 47.</ref> All other accounts are based on this account, a summary of which is as follows. | ||
When the people in Medina were informed of the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]], a group of the [[Helpers]] gathered in the Saqifa to decide about the issue of leadership. In the beginning of the session, [[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]], the chief of the tribe of [[Khazraj]] who was very sick at the time, delivered a speech with the help of his son. He mentioned a number of reasons to argue that choosing the successor of the Prophet (s) was the right of the | When the people in Medina were informed of the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]], a group of the [[Helpers|Ansar]] gathered in the Saqifa to decide about the issue of leadership. In the beginning of the session, [[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]], the chief of the tribe of [[Khazraj]] who was very sick at the time, delivered a speech with the help of his son. He mentioned a number of reasons to argue that choosing the successor of the Prophet (s) was the right of the Ansar, and he urged them to take this position.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 2, p. 22.</ref> The audience generally affirmed his statements and proclaimed that they would choose Sa'd as their leader and would obey him. However, some of the participants mentioned that the [[Emigrants|Immigrants]] would probably disagree with this decision, and thus suggested that there should be one ruler from the Ansar and one from the Immigrants.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 2, p. 22.</ref> | ||
The news of the gathering reached Abu Bakr and Umar, and the two, together with Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah, rushed to the Saqifa. There, Abu Bakr delivered a speech in which he argued for the superiority of the Immigrants and the [[Qurashites]] were more deserving of the succession to the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 327.</ref> His statements were accepted by some of the audience and rejected by others. Some of the participants mentioned that Ali (a) deserved that position and no one else should be chosen as the Prophet's (s) successor.<ref>Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 325.</ref> However, Abu Bakr was able to convince the majority of the participants to choose the successor of the Prophet (s) from the [[Quraysh]] and suggested Umar or Abu Ubayda as two candidates for that, but the two refuse Abu Bakr's suggestion.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 206.</ref> Umar reports the course of events as follows, "At that moment, voices were raised, and vague words were heard from every corner such that we got afraid that disagreements may ruin things. For that reason, I told Abu Bakr, ‘Bring your hand so that I pledge allegiance to you.’" But before Umar, [[Bashir b. Sa'd]], one of the Khazrajite rivals of Sa'd b. 'Ubada held Abu Bakr's hand and pledged [[allegiance]] to him.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 206; Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 327.</ref> Afterwards, the participants rush to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr such that they almost stepped on the sick Sa'd b. 'Ubada. This led to a severe conflict between Umar, Sa'd, and Qays b. Sa'd, which ended with the intervention of Abu Bakr.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 27.</ref> | The news of the gathering reached Abu Bakr and Umar, and the two, together with Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah, rushed to the Saqifa. There, Abu Bakr delivered a speech in which he argued for the superiority of the Immigrants and the [[Qurashites]] were more deserving of the succession to the Prophet (s).<ref>Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 327.</ref> His statements were accepted by some of the audience and rejected by others. Some of the participants mentioned that Ali (a) deserved that position and no one else should be chosen as the Prophet's (s) successor.<ref>Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 325.</ref> However, Abu Bakr was able to convince the majority of the participants to choose the successor of the Prophet (s) from the [[Quraysh]] and suggested Umar or Abu Ubayda as two candidates for that, but the two refuse Abu Bakr's suggestion.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 206.</ref> Umar reports the course of events as follows, "At that moment, voices were raised, and vague words were heard from every corner such that we got afraid that disagreements may ruin things. For that reason, I told Abu Bakr, ‘Bring your hand so that I pledge allegiance to you.’" But before Umar, [[Bashir b. Sa'd]], one of the Khazrajite rivals of Sa'd b. 'Ubada held Abu Bakr's hand and pledged [[allegiance]] to him.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 206; Ibn al-Athīr, ''al-Kāmil fī l-tārīkh'', vol. 2, p. 327.</ref> Afterwards, the participants rush to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr such that they almost stepped on the sick Sa'd b. 'Ubada. This led to a severe conflict between Umar, Sa'd, and Qays b. Sa'd, which ended with the intervention of Abu Bakr.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 27.</ref> | ||
==The Conversations at the Saqifa== | ==The Conversations at the Saqifa== | ||
Many conversations occurred between the | Many conversations occurred between the Ansar and the Immigrants who joined them, all of which had a role in the final decision. However, the most influential speech was that of Abu Bakr and his companions. The most important talks in that event belonged to the following: | ||
'''[[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]]''': He spoke mainly in the beginning of the session and prior to the coming of Abu Bakr and his companions. Because he was sick, his speech was delivered to the audience with the help of his son. The main themes of his speech were the following: the virtues and excellence of the [[Helpers]], their superiority over the other Muslims, their service to Islam and to the [[Prophet (s)]], and the fact that the Prophet (s) was pleased with them when he passed away. With these points, he stated that the | '''[[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]]''': He spoke mainly in the beginning of the session and prior to the coming of Abu Bakr and his companions. Because he was sick, his speech was delivered to the audience with the help of his son. The main themes of his speech were the following: the virtues and excellence of the [[Helpers|Ansar]], their superiority over the other Muslims, their service to Islam and to the [[Prophet (s)]], and the fact that the Prophet (s) was pleased with them when he passed away. With these points, he stated that the Ansar should choose a leader from themselves. Against the suggestion of choosing one leader from the Ansar and one from the [[Immigrants]], he said that the suggestion was a failure and a retreat.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 22.</ref> | ||
'''[[Abu Bakr]]''': Abu Bakr's sayings in this gathering determined the direction toward which it moved. He talked several times, and the main themes of his speeches were the following: the advantages of the Immigrants over the | '''[[Abu Bakr]]''': Abu Bakr's sayings in this gathering determined the direction toward which it moved. He talked several times, and the main themes of his speeches were the following: the advantages of the Immigrants over the Ansar—including being the vanguard in accepting the Prophet's call, [[faith]] and [[worshipping God]], their kinship with the Prophet (s)—which made them more deserving of the succession to the Prophet (s) than the Ansar, and the virtues of the Ansar and their being better fitted to be viziers, not caliphs. <ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 202.</ref> | ||
'''[[Al-Habab b. al-Mundhir]]''': He spoke in the Saqifa two or three times, and his speech each time contained instigation and threat against the Immigrants, and especially against Abu Bakr and Umar.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 25.</ref> He also repeated the suggestion of choosing one ruler from each tribe.<ref>Zamakhsharī, ''al-Fāʾiq fī gharīb al-ḥadīth'', vol. 3, p. 73.</ref> | '''[[Al-Habab b. al-Mundhir]]''': He spoke in the Saqifa two or three times, and his speech each time contained instigation and threat against the Immigrants, and especially against Abu Bakr and Umar.<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 25.</ref> He also repeated the suggestion of choosing one ruler from each tribe.<ref>Zamakhsharī, ''al-Fāʾiq fī gharīb al-ḥadīth'', vol. 3, p. 73.</ref> | ||
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'''[[Umar b. al-Khattab]]''': Umar mostly reinforced Abu Bakr's statements by mentioning some points, including the claim that the Arabs would not disagree with the succession of the Prophet's relatives and the impossibility of choosing two rulers, because two swords do not fit in one sheath. <ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 25.</ref> | '''[[Umar b. al-Khattab]]''': Umar mostly reinforced Abu Bakr's statements by mentioning some points, including the claim that the Arabs would not disagree with the succession of the Prophet's relatives and the impossibility of choosing two rulers, because two swords do not fit in one sheath. <ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 25.</ref> | ||
'''[[Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah]]''': In his speech, he warned the | '''[[Abu Ubayda al-Jarrah]]''': In his speech, he warned the Ansar against changing the religion and ruining the unity of the Muslims.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 123.</ref> | ||
'''[[Bashir b. Sa'd]]''': He was one of the | '''[[Bashir b. Sa'd]]''': He was one of the Ansar from the tribe of [[Khazraj]]. He spoke several times and affirmed the arguments of Abu Bakr and his companions. Urging the Ansar to fear God and respect Muslims' rights, he warned them against disagreeing with the Immigrants.<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 3, p. 202.</ref> | ||
'''[[Abd al-Rahman b. Awf]]''': He spoke about the place and virtues of such figures as Abu Bakr, Umar, and [[Ali (a)]], and reminded the | '''[[Abd al-Rahman b. Awf]]''': He spoke about the place and virtues of such figures as Abu Bakr, Umar, and [[Ali (a)]], and reminded the Ansar that they did not have such personalities among them.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 123.</ref> | ||
'''[[Mundhir b. Arqam]]''': He was one of the | '''[[Mundhir b. Arqam]]''': He was one of the Ansar. In the Saqifa and against the arguments of Abu Bakr and [[Abd al-Rahman b. Awf]], he introduced Ali (a) as the one who had all the mentioned virtues. He stated that if Ali (a) is ready to accept the position, no one would oppose him.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 123.</ref> Mundhir's saying was affirmed by a group of the Ansar who proclaimed that they would only pledge their allegiance to Ali (a). | ||
==The Participant Groups== | ==The Participant Groups== | ||
Most available reports of the Event of the Saqifa in [[Sunni]] sources indicate that the [[Helpers]] and [[Immigrants]] were generally present in the event.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 52-53.</ref> However, many sources have mentioned two phases for the people's pledging their [[allegiance]] to Abu Bakr: the first phase was during the Event of the Saqifa, and the second phase occurred on the next day when the rest of the Medinans pledged their allegiance.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 2, p. 660; Balādhurī, ''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 1, p. 567.</ref> These reports challenge the claim that the majority of the Immigrants and | Most available reports of the Event of the Saqifa in [[Sunni]] sources indicate that the [[Helpers|Ansar]] and [[Immigrants]] were generally present in the event.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 52-53.</ref> However, many sources have mentioned two phases for the people's pledging their [[allegiance]] to Abu Bakr: the first phase was during the Event of the Saqifa, and the second phase occurred on the next day when the rest of the Medinans pledged their allegiance.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-nabawīyya'', vol. 2, p. 660; Balādhurī, ''Ansāb al-ashrāf'', vol. 1, p. 567.</ref> These reports challenge the claim that the majority of the Immigrants and Ansar were present in the event. | ||
Historical studies show that, from the Immigrants, only Abu Bakr, Umar, and [[Abu 'Ubayda al-Jarrah|Abu 'Ubayda]], probably together with a few of their servants and companions, were present in the gathering. Some scholars also mention that Salim, the freed slave of [[Abu Hudhayfa]], was one of the first individuals who pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr at the Saqifa, but none of the reliable early sources mention his presence.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 52-53.</ref> Considering the evidence, some scholars have concluded that the number of the Immigrants present at the Saqifa was very small.<ref>ʿAbd al-Maqṣūd, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-khilāfa'', p. 317.</ref> | Historical studies show that, from the Immigrants, only Abu Bakr, Umar, and [[Abu 'Ubayda al-Jarrah|Abu 'Ubayda]], probably together with a few of their servants and companions, were present in the gathering. Some scholars also mention that Salim, the freed slave of [[Abu Hudhayfa]], was one of the first individuals who pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr at the Saqifa, but none of the reliable early sources mention his presence.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 52-53.</ref> Considering the evidence, some scholars have concluded that the number of the Immigrants present at the Saqifa was very small.<ref>ʿAbd al-Maqṣūd, ''al-Saqīfa wa l-khilāfa'', p. 317.</ref> | ||
The most well-known | The most well-known Ansar present at the Saqifa were [[Sa'd b. 'Ubada]], his son [[Qays b. Sa'd b. 'Ubada|Qays]], [[Bashir b. Sa'd]], [[Usayd b. Hudayr]], Thabit b. Qays, Mundhir b. Arqam, [[al-Bara' b. 'Azib]], and [[al-Habab b. al-Mundhir]].<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 21-26.</ref> | ||
==The Motivation of the | ==The Motivation of the Ansar for Gathering at the Saqifa== | ||
According to some scholars, the gathering of the | According to some scholars, the gathering of the Ansar at the Saqifa was caused by their concern for their future after the demise of the Prophet (s). They were especially worried that after the [[conquest of Mecca]], the formation of a united [[Quraysh]] would throw the balance of power out of kilter.<ref>Bayḍūn, ''Rafārshināsi Imām Alī (a)'', p. 29-30.</ref> | ||
The proponents of this theory do not see it unlikely that the | The proponents of this theory do not see it unlikely that the Ansar were informed of a plan devised by a group of the Immigrants for the succession to the Prophet (s). Some other scholars maintain that the gathering at the Saqifa was a result of the following factors: | ||
*Because of their great sacrifices, the | *Because of their great sacrifices, the Ansar regarded the new religion of Islam as their own child and did not see anyone as more compassionate to it as themselves. | ||
* The | * The Ansar were afraid that the Quraysh would try to take revenge on them, as their prominent figures were killed by the Ansar during the battles at the time of the Prophet (s). This worry may have been reinforced by the fact that the Prophet (s) had informed them of the oppression of the rulers after him against them and had instructed the Ansar to remain patient. | ||
* According to some scholars, the | * According to some scholars, the Ansar felt that the Quraysh would not accept the sayings of the Prophet (s) regarding Ali's (a) succession to him.<ref>Muzaffar, ''al-Saqīfa'', p. 95-97.</ref> | ||
* According to some others, Abu Bakr announced in the [[mosque of the Prophet (s)]] that the [[Apostle of God (s)]] had died. So a group of the Medinans gathered around him and pledged their [[allegiance]] to him as the successor of the Prophet (s). This created a misunderstanding in the minds of a group of the | * According to some others, Abu Bakr announced in the [[mosque of the Prophet (s)]] that the [[Apostle of God (s)]] had died. So a group of the Medinans gathered around him and pledged their [[allegiance]] to him as the successor of the Prophet (s). This created a misunderstanding in the minds of a group of the Ansar that it was permissible to appoint a caliph from them, which led to the gathering at the Saqifa.<ref>Ibn Kathīr, ''al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya'', vol. 5, p. 265.</ref> | ||
==The Standpoint of the Companions and the Prominent Figures of the Quraysh== | ==The Standpoint of the Companions and the Prominent Figures of the Quraysh== | ||
Ali (a) and [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]], together with some of the Immigrants and | Ali (a) and [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]], together with some of the Immigrants and Ansar—such as [['Abbas b. 'Abd al-Muttalib]], [[Fadl b. Abbas]], [[al-Zubayr b. al-'Awwam]], [[Khalid b. Sa'id]], [[Miqdad b. 'Amr]], [[Salman al-Farsi]], [[Abu Dharr al-Ghifari]], [[Ammar b. Yasir]], [[al-Baraʾ b. 'Azib]], and [[Ubayy b. Ka'b]]—opposed the election of Abu Bakr as the caliph.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 124.</ref> | ||
Some of these figures pointed out in several occasions that Abu Bakr was not qualified to be the successor to the Prophet (s). Some of their statements in this regard include the following: | Some of these figures pointed out in several occasions that Abu Bakr was not qualified to be the successor to the Prophet (s). Some of their statements in this regard include the following: | ||
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The historians agree that Ali (a) did not pledge his [[allegiance]] to [[Abu Bakr]] on the day of the Saqifa. However, there is disagreement as to when and if he pledged his allegiance afterwards. | The historians agree that Ali (a) did not pledge his [[allegiance]] to [[Abu Bakr]] on the day of the Saqifa. However, there is disagreement as to when and if he pledged his allegiance afterwards. | ||
[[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] maintains that “the view of the scholars of the Shi'a and the true opinion is that [[Amir al-Mu'minin Ali b. Abi Talib (a)]] never pledged his allegiance to Abu Bakr.”<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Fuṣūl al-mukhtara'', p. 40, 56 to later...</ref> During the first days after the Saqifa, when the supporters of Abu Bakr tried to force him to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr, Imam Ali (a) said to them, “I am more deserving of the caliphate than you, and I will not pledge my allegiance to you. You are more deserving of pledging your allegiance to me. You took the caliphate away from the | [[Al-Shaykh al-Mufid]] maintains that “the view of the scholars of the Shi'a and the true opinion is that [[Amir al-Mu'minin Ali b. Abi Talib (a)]] never pledged his allegiance to Abu Bakr.”<ref>Mufīd, ''al-Fuṣūl al-mukhtara'', p. 40, 56 to later...</ref> During the first days after the Saqifa, when the supporters of Abu Bakr tried to force him to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr, Imam Ali (a) said to them, “I am more deserving of the caliphate than you, and I will not pledge my allegiance to you. You are more deserving of pledging your allegiance to me. You took the caliphate away from the Ansar arguing that … because you were closer to the Prophet and were his kin, you were more deserving of the caliphate than them. Now, I argue against you by the same reasons that you mentioned against the Ansar. If you fear God, be fair with me, and accept from me the same thing that the Ansar accepted from you; otherwise, you will have knowingly done wrong”.<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 6, p. 11.</ref> | ||
It is reported that Ali (a) had a gentle but frank and lengthy debate with Abu Bakr, in which he condemned Abu Bakr for neglecting the right of Ahl al-Bayt (a) in the Event of Saqifa. Abu Bakr accepted the arguments of Ali (a) and was about to abdicate and pledge his allegiance to the Imam (a), but he consulted some of his companions and eventually refused to do so.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj ʿalā ahl al-lijāj'', vol. 1, p. 115-130.</ref> | It is reported that Ali (a) had a gentle but frank and lengthy debate with Abu Bakr, in which he condemned Abu Bakr for neglecting the right of Ahl al-Bayt (a) in the Event of Saqifa. Abu Bakr accepted the arguments of Ali (a) and was about to abdicate and pledge his allegiance to the Imam (a), but he consulted some of his companions and eventually refused to do so.<ref>Ṭabrisī, ''al-Iḥtijāj ʿalā ahl al-lijāj'', vol. 1, p. 115-130.</ref> | ||
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[[Al-Shiqshiqiyya Sermon]] is one of the most well-known speeches of the Imam (a) in this regard. In the beginning of this sermon, Imam Ali (a) says, “Beware! By Allah, the son of Abu Quhafah [Abu Bakr] dressed himself with it [the caliphate] and he certainly knew that my position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axis in relation to the hand-mill. The flood water flows down from me and the bird cannot fly up to me.”<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 1, p. 151.</ref> | [[Al-Shiqshiqiyya Sermon]] is one of the most well-known speeches of the Imam (a) in this regard. In the beginning of this sermon, Imam Ali (a) says, “Beware! By Allah, the son of Abu Quhafah [Abu Bakr] dressed himself with it [the caliphate] and he certainly knew that my position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axis in relation to the hand-mill. The flood water flows down from me and the bird cannot fly up to me.”<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 1, p. 151.</ref> | ||
It is reported that after the Event of the Saqifa and before the demise of [[Fatima (a)]], Ali (a) and Fatima (a) would go together to the houses and gatherings of the | It is reported that after the Event of the Saqifa and before the demise of [[Fatima (a)]], Ali (a) and Fatima (a) would go together to the houses and gatherings of the Ansar and ask them for support. The Ansar would say in response, “O daughter of the Prophet! We have already pledged our allegiance to Abu Bakr. Had Ali (a) come forth, we would not have chosen anyone else.” Then Ali (a) would respond, “Was I to leave the Prophet (s) unburied and argue about the caliphate?!”<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 29-30; Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 6, p. 13.</ref> | ||
==Fatima’s Reaction== | ==Fatima’s Reaction== | ||
After the Event of the Saqifa, Fatima (a) severely opposed it and proclaimed that it was a transgression of the instructions of the Prophet (s). She articulated her opposition most clearly in her sayings when the supporters of Abu Bakr besieged her house and tried to force Ali (a) to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 30-31.</ref> and also in her well-known [[Fadakiyya Sermon]], which she delivered at the mosque of Medina.<ref>Tījānī, ''Muʾtamir al-saqīfa'', vol. 1, p. 75.</ref> | After the Event of the Saqifa, Fatima (a) severely opposed it and proclaimed that it was a transgression of the instructions of the Prophet (s). She articulated her opposition most clearly in her sayings when the supporters of Abu Bakr besieged her house and tried to force Ali (a) to pledge his allegiance to Abu Bakr<ref>Ibn Qutayba, ''al-Imāma wa l-sīyāsaʾ'', vol. 1, p. 30-31.</ref> and also in her well-known [[Fadakiyya Sermon]], which she delivered at the mosque of Medina.<ref>Tījānī, ''Muʾtamir al-saqīfa'', vol. 1, p. 75.</ref> | ||
It is reported that Fatima (a) further referred to the Saqifa in the last days of her life, when the women of the | It is reported that Fatima (a) further referred to the Saqifa in the last days of her life, when the women of the Ansar came to visit her, as a violation of the Prophet's commands and warned about the consequences of this disobedience for the future of Islam.<ref>Ibn Abī l-Ḥadīd, ''Sharḥ Nahj al-balagha'', vol. 16, p. 233-234; Irbilī, ''Kashf al-ghumma'', vol. 1, p. 492.</ref> | ||
==The Saqifa in the View of Western Islamicists== | ==The Saqifa in the View of Western Islamicists== | ||
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* '''Leone Caetani''': The Italian orientalist Leone Caetani talks about a deep rift between Abu Bakr and [[Banu Hashim]], and considers Abu Bakr's claim to succession in the Event of the Saqifa surprising. He indirectly accepts the seriousness of Ali's claim to the succession. Later, Caetani affirmed Lammens' theory of the triumvirate of Abu Bakr, Umar and Abu Ubayda'', .<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 17-18.</ref> | * '''Leone Caetani''': The Italian orientalist Leone Caetani talks about a deep rift between Abu Bakr and [[Banu Hashim]], and considers Abu Bakr's claim to succession in the Event of the Saqifa surprising. He indirectly accepts the seriousness of Ali's claim to the succession. Later, Caetani affirmed Lammens' theory of the triumvirate of Abu Bakr, Umar and Abu Ubayda'', .<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 17-18.</ref> | ||
* '''[[Wilferd Madelung]]''': In his book ''[[The Succession to Muhammad (book)|The Succession to Muhammad]]'', Madelung has thoroughly explores the topic of the succession to the Prophet (s). Unlike most historians, he believes that the gathering at the Saqifa was not initially intended to choose a successor for the Prophet (s).<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51.</ref> The [[Helpers]] simply thought that after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]], the allegiance to him had expired and the integrity of the society was in danger. So they decided to choose a ruler from themselves for their own city, [[Medina]]. This is why they gathered without informing the Immigrants,<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51.</ref> whom they thought would return to [[Mecca]]. And those who did not want to return, the | * '''[[Wilferd Madelung]]''': In his book ''[[The Succession to Muhammad (book)|The Succession to Muhammad]]'', Madelung has thoroughly explores the topic of the succession to the Prophet (s). Unlike most historians, he believes that the gathering at the Saqifa was not initially intended to choose a successor for the Prophet (s).<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51.</ref> The [[Helpers|Ansar]] simply thought that after the [[demise of the Prophet (s)]], the allegiance to him had expired and the integrity of the society was in danger. So they decided to choose a ruler from themselves for their own city, [[Medina]]. This is why they gathered without informing the Immigrants,<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51.</ref> whom they thought would return to [[Mecca]]. And those who did not want to return, the Ansar thought, would have no problem with the rule of a Helper over [[Medina]].<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51.</ref> | ||
Madelung maintains that it was only Abu Bakr and Umar who believed that the successor of the Prophet (s) should rule over all the Arabs, and the [[Qurashites]] are the only ones deserving of the succession.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51-52.</ref> He holds that prior to the demise of the Prophet (s), Abu Bakr had the plan to become the successor of the Prophet (s) and to surpass his rivals,<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> the most important of whom were [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]].<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> The gathering at the Saqifa provided an opportunity for Abu Bakr to reach his goal. In that gathering, he first suggested that Umar and Abu Ubayda, who did not have any chance, should succeed the Prophet (s). It is clear that this suggestion was not serious and was intended only to create arguments among the participants and lead to the conclusion of the session in his favor.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> | Madelung maintains that it was only Abu Bakr and Umar who believed that the successor of the Prophet (s) should rule over all the Arabs, and the [[Qurashites]] are the only ones deserving of the succession.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 51-52.</ref> He holds that prior to the demise of the Prophet (s), Abu Bakr had the plan to become the successor of the Prophet (s) and to surpass his rivals,<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> the most important of whom were [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]].<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> The gathering at the Saqifa provided an opportunity for Abu Bakr to reach his goal. In that gathering, he first suggested that Umar and Abu Ubayda, who did not have any chance, should succeed the Prophet (s). It is clear that this suggestion was not serious and was intended only to create arguments among the participants and lead to the conclusion of the session in his favor.<ref>Wilferd Madelung. ''Jānishīnī-yi Muḥammad'', p. 62.</ref> | ||
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* [[Confiscation of Fadak]]: Some historians maintain that the purpose of the confiscation of Fadak was to weaken [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] economically. This measure would strengthen the rule of the first caliph and would prevent the family of the Prophet (s) from opposing the caliph's rule.<ref>ʿAskarī, ''Saqīfa; barrasī-yi naḥwa-yi shiklgīrī-yi ḥukūmat pas az riḥlat-i Payāmbar'', p. 115.</ref> | * [[Confiscation of Fadak]]: Some historians maintain that the purpose of the confiscation of Fadak was to weaken [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] economically. This measure would strengthen the rule of the first caliph and would prevent the family of the Prophet (s) from opposing the caliph's rule.<ref>ʿAskarī, ''Saqīfa; barrasī-yi naḥwa-yi shiklgīrī-yi ḥukūmat pas az riḥlat-i Payāmbar'', p. 115.</ref> | ||
* The [[Tragedy of Karbala]]: According to some scholars, the course that was taken for choosing the Prophet’s successor in the Event of Saqifa led to a chaos in how a [[caliph]] was to be chosen: once in the middle of a conflict between the | * The [[Tragedy of Karbala]]: According to some scholars, the course that was taken for choosing the Prophet’s successor in the Event of Saqifa led to a chaos in how a [[caliph]] was to be chosen: once in the middle of a conflict between the Ansar and a few individuals from the [[Quraysh]], once with the will of the first caliph, once in a [[six-member council]], and once with [[Mu'awiya]] appointing his son [[Yazid]] as his successor and requiring everyone to pledge his allegiance to him—to a person who caused the tragedy that took place in [[Karbala]].<ref>Dāwudī and Rustam Nizhād, ''Āshūrā; rīshahā, angīzahā, rūydādhā, payāmadhā'', p. 115-126.</ref> | ||
==The Saqifa and the Principle of Consensus== | ==The Saqifa and the Principle of Consensus== | ||